What Is a Good Substitute For Chipotle Paste? (UPDATED)

Q: Is chipotle paste the same as sriracha?

The answer is no. While they both add a kick of heat to your dish, they are not really the same thing. While both sauces are made from chili peppers, the types of peppers used differ. Chipotle paste is made from smoked and dried jalapeno peppers, while sriracha is made from a mixture of sun-ripened chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. The flavors are distinct, with chipotle paste having a smoky and earthy taste, while sriracha is sweeter and tangier. So the next time you're looking to spice up your dish, consider the differences between these two popular sauces and choose accordingly.

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Table Of Contents

What's Chipotle Paste Made Of?
What's a Good substitute For Chipotle Paste?
Other Chipotle Paste Substitutes
Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions	Flavor Profile	Heat Level	Versatility	Similarity to Chipotle Paste
Ancho Chili Powder	Smoky flavor with moderate heat	Moderate	Limited	Lacks depth of flavor
Smoked Paprika	Smoky flavor without the heat	Low	Versatile	Not as spicy
Southwestern Sauce	Blend of flavors and spices	Low to moderate	Versatile	Not as spicy
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce	Smoky flavor and heat	High	Limited	Very similar
Chili Garlic Paste	Spicy kick with other flavors	High	Limited	Different flavor profile

Ready for Mexican-themed dinners? One of the key ingredients you’ll need is a chipotle paste, which is featured in almost all Mexican dishes!

This paste features smoked jalapenos with other dried chilies, bringing a unique spiciness and smokiness to your recipes. So, what can you do if you have none around? What’s a good chipotle paste substitute?

There’s always an alternative to chipotle paste to save the day!

We also list down more alternatives to this versatile seasoning below, so read on!

What’s Chipotle Paste Made Of?

Chipotle paste refers to jalapenos that were dried, smoked, then made into a paste.

It’s sometimes blended with other ingredients like

Tomatoes,
Garlic,
Onions,
Dried herbs,
Spices,
And sugar, for its rich, sweet, and spicy taste.

There are also other Mexican chilies included to give it the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy taste and consistency. Expect the paste to bring some heat with a hint of sweetness to meals.

Fun fact:

Chipotle chilies are made of dried red jalapenos, which have about 5,000 to 8,000 SHU. Not bad if you want a bit of spice but not too much!

What’s Chipotle Paste Used For?

There are many ways you can use chipotle paste, such as:

Use it in a marinade for barbecues and roasts, as it works great with meat, seafood, or veggies.
As a cooking ingredient for more depth of flavor in stews and other recipes
As a filling or topping in burgers, canapes, or sandwiches
Jazz up your spreads, like aioli or mayo!

Where To Buy Chipotle Paste?

You can buy chipotle paste at most well-stocked grocery stores or specialty markets. If you prefer to shop online, there are also many options available for purchasing the perfect chipotle paste for your next recipe.

Simply search for “chipotle paste” on your favorite online retailer website and have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep in no time.

With so many options at your fingertips, you’ll be able to satisfy your craving for a smoky and spicy sauce anytime you like!

If you run out or can’t find any at home or in the supermarket, use any alternative from our options below:

What’s a Good substitute For Chipotle Paste?

This table provides a quick comparison of the substitutes, highlighting their flavor profiles, heat levels, versatility in various dishes, and similarity to chipotle paste.

Substitute and Heat Level	Flavor Profile	Versatility	Similarity to Chipotle Paste
Ancho Chili Powder (Moderate)	Smoky flavor with moderate heat	Limited	Lacks depth of flavor
Smoked Paprika (Low)	Smoky flavor without the heat	Versatile	Not as spicy
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce (High)	Smoky flavor and heat	Limited	Very similar

Remember to adjust the quantities and flavors according to your personal taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re preparing.

1. Ancho Chili Powder

Ancho chili powder is the best chipotle paste substitute. It’s made of poblano peppers and shares many characteristics with chipotle. They are both made of whole and dried, smoked peppers!

Fun fact:

Ancho chili originates from the central Mexican state of Puebla, where chilies have grown even before the Aztec empire! Ancho chilies are also known as pasilla chiles in California, though these are actually two different chiles! (*)

That said, poblano chilies are milder than jalapenos, so expect a slightly milder flavor and spice when using ancho chili powder.

You may add a bit more of this powder as needed to achieve your desired taste.

2. Smoked Paprika

Chipotle paste has a smoky flavor, so expect smoked paprika to be an amazing alternative to chipotle paste. (*)

It’s not only very easy to find in the supermarket (you probably already have it in your kitchen), but it provides the smokiness you’re after for your dishes.

But like ancho chili powder, smoked paprika is milder than chipotle paste, so it’s best to add a bit more.

You can also use a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for added spice.

Learn more: Best Paprika Substitute

3. Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

Chipotle in adobo sauce is a fantastic chipotle chili paste substitute as it’s also popular and readily available in areas where Tex-Mex cuisine shines. After all, it’s made with chipotle peppers as well!

Fun fact:

Chipotles in adobo sauce are made of smoked and dried jalapenos that are then rehydrated and canned in a puree made of vinegar, tomatoes, garlic, and other spices.

The only thing you have to watch out for is the distinct tangly flavor that pairs with the smoky chili’s undertones. But even then, many people may appreciate the refreshing change.

Learn more: The Best Adobo Seasoning Substitutes

Other Chipotle Paste Substitutes

4. Make Your Own Chipotle Paste Alternative

Yes, you can make your own!

Here are the ingredients to prepare:

20 chipotle chilies
Two garlic cloves
Juice from one lime
One tablespoon of sugar
½ teaspoon of salt
A pinch of ground cumin
Water (as needed)
One tablespoon of olive oil
½ teaspoon of balsamic vinegar

Follow These Directions To Make Chipotle Paste:

Dry roast your chilies for a few minutes over medium heat with the oil and balsamic vinegar. Don’t let your chilies burn! If you want your paste less spicy, cut the stalk ends and shake the seeds off.
Once cooked, cut your chilies with scissors, letting them soak in hot water for 20 minutes. Drain your chilies and rinse, removing the seeds if desired.
Place your chilies and the rest of your ingredients in a chopper then blend until it’s a fine paste, adding water as needed.
Pour your mixture into a jar and you’re done!

Fun fact:

Chipotle peppers have many health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure managing diabetes, protecting against heart disease, helping with respiratory conditions, and even aiding in weight loss!

5. Southwestern Sauce

Southwestern sauce is another amazing replacement, made from chipotle, lime juice, garlic, mustard, and mayo.

You can use the pepper or sauce version, which is perfect in salad dressings or sandwiches. This ingredient tastes similar to the chipotle sauce but may have a slightly creamier consistency from the mayo.

6. Chili Garlic Paste

If you have none of the ingredients above or want something with similar consistency, then using chili garlic paste to replace chipotle paste.

It’s readily available in supermarkets or already in your kitchen. While you get good heat from this paste, the flavor doesn’t match chipotle paste.

You only get a similar earthy flavor but not that smoky undertone. So, we only recommend this if you’re in a pinch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gochujang similar to chipotle paste?

While gochujang and chipotle are spicy pastes, they actually come from different culinary traditions.

Gochujang is a Korean condiment made from fermented soybeans, rice, and red pepper flakes. Its flavor is complex and slightly sweet, with a distinctive umami taste.

On the other hand, chipotle is a Mexican chili pepper that is often smoked and dried before being ground into a paste.

While they may both be used to add heat and flavor to dishes, gochujang and chipotle paste offer unique and distinct flavor profiles.

If you’re a fan of spicy condiments, you might also be curious – is chipotle paste the same as sriracha?

Is chipotle paste the same as sriracha?

The answer is no. While they both add a kick of heat to your dish, they are not really the same thing.

While both sauces are made from chili peppers, the types of peppers used differ.

Chipotle paste is made from smoked and dried jalapeno peppers, while sriracha is made from a mixture of sun-ripened chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

The flavors are distinct, with chipotle paste having a smoky and earthy taste, while sriracha is sweeter and tangier.

So the next time you’re looking to spice up your dish, consider the differences between these two popular sauces and choose accordingly.

Is chipotle paste like harissa?

While chipotle paste and harissa are spicy and flavorful, there are some key differences between the two that set them apart.

Chipotle paste is a Mexican condiment made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, whereas harissa is a North African blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs.

Though they may share some similarities, the taste, texture, and culinary uses of these two pastes are quite distinct.

So, while they may both add a fiery kick to your dishes, it’s safe to say that chipotle paste and harissa are not exactly the same thing.

Fun fact:

Chipotle is also a name for a popular Mexican fast-food chain, and they are known for their delicious Mexican burritos and plates, sourcing ingredients from ethically-minded suppliers.

Wrapping It Up

Ever wondered why Tex-Mex cuisine is so addicting? That’s thanks to its blend of spices and seasonings like chipotle paste!

But if you have none in the kitchen, there’s always an excellent chipotle paste substitute to use. From smoked paprika to adobo sauce, the options are endless.

So next time you’re looking to replace chipotle paste in a recipe, don’t sweat it. There’s bound to be a substitute that will work just as well.

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What Is a Good Substitute For Chipotle Paste? (UPDATED)